Survey Reveals Answers To Humboldt Park Obesity
Bernie Tafoya Reporting
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- A new survey is coming out over the weekend on the reasons so many residents of one Chicago community are obese.
As WBBM's Bernie Tafoya reports, a few years ago, a survey found 35% of Humboldt Park adults and 50% of children in that near northwest side community were.
Following that survey, a number of groups joined forces to fight the problem. The coalition is called: Community Organizing for Obesity Prevention in Humboldt Park (COOP-HP)
COOP-HP wanted to mount an attack against the problem but wanted more specific reasons. The survey being released Saturday provides that.
It says:
• More physical activity is needed for both children and adults. Most community kids have only about two days of physical education a week in school, most aren’t on an organized sports team, and nearly half spend more than three hours a day in front of a TV, video game, or computer.
• People in Humboldt Park need greater access to supermarkets and fresh produce that is affordable for even low- income families.
• Increased education about healthy lifestyles and healthy weight is needed. Many obese Humboldt Park residents believed that they were an appropriate weight for their height, and 90 percent of caregivers of obese children did not report them to be overweight.
Dr. Katherine Christoffel of Children’s Memorial Research Center says the coalition is beginning to address the problem. There are three programs for more easily and affordably getting fresh produce to Humboldt Park residents.
A new exercise program for women, called Muevete! (Move!) has begun and teaches residents that getting fit can be fun.
Obesity Programs in Illinois